S-1438

Permits a child who moves out of district due to a family crisis to remain enrolled in that district until the end of the school year.

NJEA supports S-1438 (Ruiz) /A-735 (Eustace). This bill permits a child who moves out of district due to a family crisis to remain enrolled in that district until the end of the school year. The district will be required to provide transportation, while the state will be responsible for paying the cost of the transportation.

For a child struggling in a family crisis situation, maintaining stability in school can help to ease an otherwise stressful time. While school districts generally are strict regarding residency requirements, and for good cause, this bill makes a common sense allowance under well-defined circumstances. This bill allows for continuity in the learning environment that can be helpful to the child who may already be struggling in school due to family circumstances.

This bill does not require that a child who has moved due to family crisis remain in the same district, but allows for that choice should it be in the best interest of the child. Providing this option is important so that the family can decide what is best under individual circumstances.

S-1438 provides support for a child in crisis and continuity in his/her school year.